NJ’s Snow Fund Is Dried Up

TRENTON (CBS) – New Jersey’s fiscal crunch apparently will not affect the state’s ability to tackle winter storms, even though all available money for snow removal this year has already been spent.

The state usually budgets $10 million a year and holds another $10 million in reserve just in case. Well, we’re only halfway through winter and all $20 million is gone.

Transportation Department spokesman Joe Dee says not to worry though.

“We’ll make temporary transfers from DOT accounts to cover the costs of buying more salt, paying the contractors and then, at the end of the season, we’ll present the final costs for the season to the legislature.”

And no, they won’t get any grief from Governor Chris Christie, whose budget cutting has gained him national attention. After all, clearing roads of snow is a basic service. You get the work done now and deal with the price tag later.